On June 24, 2025, India reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing passport services, announcing progress in the rollout of biometric-based e-passports. The update came from External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who detailed key milestones in the government’s push for smarter, more secure travel documents.
While e-passports have not yet been launched nationwide, their phased rollout is now in progress. These next-generation passports are part of the broader Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0.
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Key Highlights From the 2025 PSP Announcement
- PSP Version 2.0 has officially launched nationwide, incorporating advanced digital technology to enhance passport services.
- A pilot run of PSP Version 2.0 abroad is underway and will expand to Indian embassies and consulates in phases.
- The e-passport rollout focuses on contactless, chip-based verification for faster immigration processing.
- The mPassport Police App has reduced police verification times to 5–7 days in 25 states and Union Territories.
What Is an E-Passport?
India’s e-passport is a biometric travel document embedded with a secure microchip that digitally stores the passport holder’s:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Digital photograph
- Fingerprints
- Digitally signed certificate from the issuing authority
These passports comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and are globally recognized for their enhanced security and faster processing at immigration counters.
Top Features of India’s E-Passport
- Embedded Microchip: 64KB chip stores encrypted personal and biometric data
- ICAO-Compliant: Recognized by countries using biometric verification
- Digitally Signed Data: Protects against tampering and unauthorized access
- Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ): Enables quick airport and e-gate scans
- Enhanced Security Printing: Printed on tamper-resistant material with high-security design
- Contactless Chip Reading: Uses RFID for seamless border control
Why Upgrade to an E-Passport?
- Faster Immigration Processing: Shorter wait times at immigration and e-gates
- Stronger Security: Reduces risks of identity theft and data tampering
- Global Acceptance: Accepted in countries with biometric systems
- Anti-Forgery Features: Far more secure than traditional passports
- Supports Digital India: Aligned with the government’s vision of paperless services
Tech Improvements: Faster Police Verification
Minister Jaishankar also highlighted the success of the mPassport Police App, which has drastically reduced police verification times to 5–7 days in many regions—accelerating the entire passport issuance process.
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Who Can Apply for an E-Passport?
Anyone eligible for a standard Indian passport can apply for an e-passport. This includes:
- First-time applicants
- Renewal cases
- Replacement due to loss, damage, or theft
- Minors and senior citizens
How to Apply for an Indian E-Passport
- Visit the Passport Seva Portal
- Register or log in and complete the application form
- Select “e-passport” as the document type (if available in your region)
- Pay the applicable fee online
- Book an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK
- Attend the appointment for biometric data capture and document verification
- Receive your e-passport via India Post after approval
With this launch, India joins the global league of countries offering secure, tech-driven passports to its citizens. E-passports are not just travel documents—they are digital gateways to faster, safer, and smarter international travel.
This rollout is expected to lead to a surge in passport applications—especially from frequent travelers, NRIs, and tech-savvy youth preparing for overseas education or employment.
